John Kobberstad

John Birkelo Kobberstad, 68, of Burtchville, left us on October 19, 2018, due to sudden complications from ongoing heart issues.

John was born in Detroit, on March 18, 1950, to the late Karl and Helen (Roy) Kobberstad.

He graduated from Thurston High School in Redford in 1968 and within a year left to serve in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked in computer operations and was stationed overseas for a year in Thailand. In addition to exploring the local culture, he ordered copious amounts of stereo equipment, which he continued to cherish over the years.

Upon his return in 1974, he moved to Traverse City to attend Northern Michigan Community College where he met a study partner and his future wife, Connie King. After graduation, he relocated to Redford and returned to his job at the Chrysler McGraw Glass Plant. Connie and John married on September 1, 1979 and moved to a house in Redford which he proudly purchased completely through his savings. He attended the University of Michigan - Dearborn part-time while working and graduated with a BBA in December of 1980.

He retired from Chrysler after a serious car accident and he began experiencing heart issues. He turned his attention to raising his sons Matthew and Kenneth, who were toddlers at the time. He delighted in being able to see the world through their eyes and watch them grow. Many times Mom returned from work to find that the activities enjoyed by the “boys” were definitely different than any she would have directed!

In 1996 they relocated to Port Huron where he lived his dream of living near the water. He enjoyed his retirement time with lengthy chats on the Ham Radio, tinkering and fixing things and was proud that he was able to maintain the family cars. He especially loved getting a good bargain and was a hard worker. He was a man of opinions, but always willing to help. He was a great tease and a loving and supportive husband and father.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; his beloved sons, Matthew and Kenneth; a sister, Christine (Kevin) Lambert; a brother, James (Barbara) Kobberstad, nephews; David (Wendy) Drys, Jeffrey Drys and Karl (Shelby) Kobberstad; nieces: Jennifer (Randy) Banning and Kelly Kobberstad; and five great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018 in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home.

The family prefers donations to the American Heart Association.